Specialty Materials

3M excels at the development and modification of low-volume, high-value materials for its customers and its own use. Among these are specialty additives and chemicals including catalysts, protective resins, photoinitiators, surfactants, microspheres, bubbles, easy-clean coatings, battery electrolytes, and lubricants. 3M also develops ceramic textiles and composites for use in aerospace, petroleum refining, metal processing, and other industries. Among other unique materials, 3M has a growing expertise in strong, lightweight metal matrix composites.

Technology Facts

First ApplicationAutomotive underseal coatings (1935)

Now InnovatingCoatings for water infrastructure pipes, lightweight plastics